Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings

With a dazzling 42-ball 97* innings, Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings to a resounding 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Punjab launched their campaign with a win, posting 243/5 in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Priyansh Arya's IPL debut was marked by a 23-ball 47, while Shashank Singh's 16-ball 44 cameo played a pivotal role in Punjab's substantial total. Gujarat's chase of 245 was foiled by a concerted bowling effort, as they were held to 232/5.

Shreyas Iyer, having secured the Indian Premier League (IPL) title with Kolkata Knight Riders last year before being released, will strive to achieve similar success with Punjab Kings. Gill, on the other hand, will aim to reverse Gujarat's fortunes after a lackluster campaign last year, which saw them finish eighth following successive final appearances in 2022 and 2023 under the leadership of Hardik Pandya. The batting will primarily depend on Gill and Jos Buttler, with additional support from Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, and all-rounders Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror. Furthermore, their pace attack features Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee, and Ishant Sharma, while Rashid and Sai Kishore will lead the spin department.

Sherfane Rutherford also played a quick knock of 46 but his effort was not enough

Sai Kishore was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat Titans with 3/40 but the home team bowlers generally struggled to keep the run flow in check.

 

At the top, young Priyansh Arya struck seven fours and two sixes to make 47 off 23 balls.

 

Brief Scores:

 

Punjab Kings: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Priyansh Arya 47, Shreyas Iyer 97 not out, Shashank Singh 44 not out; R Sai Kishore 3/30).

 

Gujarat Titans: 232 for 5 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 74, Shubman Gill 33, Jos Buttler 54, Sherfane Rutherford 46; Arshdeep Singh 2/36).